Department of Finance & Administration
Larry B. Martin, Interim Commissioner

WILSON COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH TENNCARE DRUG FRAUD

NASHVILLE – A Wilson County woman is charged with TennCare fraud, for using TennCare health insurance benefits to pay for a forged prescription for an addictive painkiller.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Kimberly Dawn Dobson, 32, of Mt. Juliet.  She was apprehended by members of the Mt. Juliet Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.

Dobson is charged with one count of TennCare fraud, one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, and one count of forgery.  Charges against her say she forged someone’s name in order to pick up a prescription for the pain medication Lortab, using TennCare to pay for the prescription.

“Prescription drug fraud takes many forms, and forging prescriptions for narcotics is one of those methods that pharmacists should keep a watchful eye for,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We’re thankful pharmacists are catching this and following up when they have questions.”

If convicted, Dobson could serve up to two years in prison for each charge of TennCare fraud and forgery, both of which are Class E felonies, and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years in prison. District Attorney General C. Michael Layne is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $171 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,300 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."